It’s just me, out of my mind
sipping on helium, pondering
why a tuna fish sandwich
is on a vegan menu, and how
to install a security system on
a dollhouse without a door
or glass on the windows.
I’m not pretty when I’m backed
in a corner, but hey, there are
those who don’t listen when
I say my vocabulary has teeth.
There aren’t any caution signs
on a poet … They can hop from
a flower poem to beneath an umbraculum
so dark with honesty a reader will
seek a priest even if they’re not catholic.
So if you don’t have a tornado shelter,
don’t create the storm … I’m not pretty
when backed in a corner, and not timid
about writing with my teeth.
©Susie Clevenger 2025
Ohhh, you've been reading my mail, Susie! I love this fierce Don't Poke The Poet poem! That third stanza is the stone truth, but i love the whole thing including that awesome image at the top. Such a pleasure to have you at the List, sharing this electric stuff of yours!
ReplyDeleteI am poet hear me roar! love that spirit - Jae
ReplyDelete"My vocabulary has teeth" - I love this poem so much!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a solid poem, Susie. You use your metaphors expertly, and every one works overtime. I am psyched about the way you used the dollhouse, the sense of exposure and fantasy combined..and each image swings in perfect balance with each other. Great writing and a new favorite of yours for me.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant use of the words. I can't even find a favorite expression. I love all of them. Indeed your vocabulary DOES have teeth! Smiles.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful use of given words, Susie. Hope to read more of your poems.
ReplyDeleteOuch. Not timid indeed, and who can blame you, certainly not the one who backed you into a corner.
ReplyDelete"sipping on helium" - fantastic. And your ending: " if you don’t have a tornado shelter, / don’t create the storm" perfect.
ReplyDeleteSusie, I absolutely love your poem. Too many good lines to quote. I am so glad your vocabulary has teeth, and if sipping on helium makes you write scintillating poems like this then please continue and I shall be right there reading them 🌟
ReplyDeleteoh, Susie! what a joy you are to read-- again, and again, and again. as soon as i recognize your website header, i start grinning ear-to-ear. this installment was no different-- HUGE SMILE. with teeth!
ReplyDelete